After a prolonged period of one and a half years following the departure of the interim government, President Mohammed Shahabuddin has broken his silence in an extensive interview, addressing the country’s political and administrative challenges. Published on Monday in Kaler Kantho, the interview provides detailed insights into the actions of the interim government, alleged conspiracies, and constitutional crises.
Table of Contents
Conspiracies and Maintaining Stability
President Shahabuddin recounted, “Over the past eighteen months, I was the target of numerous conspiracies. There were deliberate efforts to undermine the nation’s peace and security and to create a constitutional vacuum. Yet, I remained resolute in my decisions, and none of these schemes succeeded.”
He added that attempts to remove him from office through unconstitutional means made his tenure at Bangabhaban extremely challenging.
22 October 2024: Siege of Bangabhaban
The President revealed that on 22 October 2024, Bangabhaban was besieged. Various political parties, platforms, and organisations suddenly mobilised overnight. He described, “The Army’s Ninth Division provided three-tiered security. During the unrest, some hired assailants attempted to climb barbed wire, grenades were deployed, but ultimately, the intruders were driven back by female police and military personnel.”
The key events of that night are summarised in the table below:
| Date | Event | Role / Response |
|---|---|---|
| 22 Oct 2024 | Bangabhaban besieged | Army provided three-tiered security |
| 12:00 AM | Call from student movement leader | Attempted removal of unauthorised individuals |
| 2–3 AM | Remaining group cleared | Continued security operations ensured safety |
He further noted, “Although the BNP and its allied organisations faced intense political pressure, they remained committed to constitutional continuity. Their support was vital for me.”
Relations with the Interim Government
The President criticised the interim administration for a lack of coordination: “The Chief Adviser did not communicate with me, despite undertaking 14–15 foreign visits. I was not informed in writing or verbally, including regarding the recent agreement with the United States. This is a clear violation of constitutional duties.”
He added, “The Foreign Ministry did not permit me to travel abroad and even restricted my participation in national events. The President’s portrait was swiftly removed from international missions. These actions were clearly aimed at limiting my public exposure.”
Strength and Support
President Shahabuddin credited his resilience to the backing of the three armed services and assurances from senior BNP leaders. “The armed forces conveyed that a defeat of the President would equate to the defeat of the entire military. They pledged to prevent this at any cost. This support gave me courage,” he stated.
The interview provides a rare and crucial perspective on the interim government’s conduct, conspiracies, and constitutional progress. It highlights the President’s steadfast commitment to his responsibilities, demonstrating his resolve to uphold constitutional continuity amid adversity.
This in-depth account will be considered a seminal insight in Bangladesh’s political history, offering a detailed record of a leader confronting political manoeuvrings and security challenges.